The Clothesline Project 2010 Published Oct. 14, 2010 By Cecilia Diaz Family Advocacy Outreach Manager SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Air Force leaders are keenly aware that domestic violence affects not only families and communities, but also mission readiness. Therefore, October is designated as Domestic Violence Prevention Month. Domestic violence occurs among all ages, genders, races, educational backgrounds and socioeconomic groups and is characterized as a pattern of coercive behaviors that may include repeated physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, and progressive social isolation. Family violence is never okay and in many cases is a serious crime. Family violence of any kind may hinder a victim's ability to manage normal stressors. It may also make it difficult for the victim to feel safe. Why do victims stay? When a victim decides to leave, possible loss of life increases due to dynamics in the relationship. Many domestic violence offenders suffer from low self-esteem and their sense of self is tied to their partners. When a victim plans to leave, the offender will do anything to maintain control of the victim and the situation. Therefore, when a victim is leaving, the offender experiences a loss of control. Circumstances can escalate to violence, and this can impact the well-being of the victim. There are other contributing factors as to why the victim stays, including fear that the offender will commit homicide, suicide or take away children. Many victims also have religious reasons for staying in an abusive relationship or may experience self-blame, isolation and the belief that no one can help. Some may also feel pressure from family or friends to remain in the relationship. Available help In an effort to prevent domestic violence and reduce family stress, various programs are available at Spangdahlem for active-duty members and their family. Family Advocacy and other helping agencies provide workshops and seminars to reduce the isolation and stress sometimes associated with military life. Family Advocacy also provides anger management, couples communication, parenting classes and the New Parent Support Program to manage stress. Group settings also provide families the opportunity to develop friendships with other parents and socialization for their children. Such groups can be especially helpful to new families, single parents and spouses of deployed members. The Mental Health Clinic also contributes to domestic violence prevention efforts by offering psychoeducational workshops that teach how to master anxiety and stress, mood management and substance abuse awareness. When intervention and treatment are necessary, specialists are also available for one-on-one assistance. Resistance to seeking help Some members are reluctant to seek help from Family Advocacy or other agencies due to the fear of harming the active duty member's military career. Commanders and First Sergeants support and encourage Airmen to use available services before problems get out of control. Families can resolve family and marital issues through Family Advocacy Strength Based Therapy and the information will not be documented in a medical record. However, when problems are allowed to escalate to the point of domestic violence, maltreatment cases are documented. Community involvement Domestic violence prevention is everyone's responsibility. All active-duty members and civilian employees are mandatory reporters of domestic violence. Reports can be made anonymously and will be addressed with sensitivity for all parties involved. The good news is that Air Force cases of domestic violence have declined in recent years. Continuing this positive trend requires increased community awareness about the symptoms of domestic violence, such as control and low-self esteem issues, as well as the effects on the community. Clothesline Project The Clothesline Project began in 1990 as a visual display sponsored by the Cape Cod Women's Agenda. The shirts on a clothesline display graphic messages and illustrations that have been designed by women who survived acts of violence or by someone who loves a woman who has been killed. The purpose of the Project is to increase awareness of the impact of violence against women and men, to celebrate a person's strength to survive and to provide an avenue to break the silence that often surrounds this type of violence. The project also offers survivors of abuse a chance to visually offer testimony to their survival. As of 2001, there are clotheslines in more than 500 communities and several foreign countries. Since its beginning, the Clothesline Project made a significant impact on participating communities. The power of the stories told by each shirt has been profound. Women and men from Spangdahlem AB will join the effort to educate the community on domestic violence and tell their stories by hanging shirts on a line and by making connections with other survivors. These efforts are critical to the healing process and ultimately end the cycle of violence. This is the fifth year the Spangdahlem Family Advocacy team has hosted the Clothesline Project. The clothesline will be displayed in front of Spangdahlem's Post Office from 23-29 October. To participate in the event or for more information, please contact Family Advocacy Outreach Manager, Cecilia Diaz by calling DSN 452-8279 or commercial 0656-561-8279.